December 15/16, 2018
bumc.net/Advent
This weekend's theme is loving a God who sings and calls us home. Here's how you can respond to God's Word this week:
FESTIVAL OF CAROLS bumc.net/Advent December 16, 6:30 p.m., Sanctuary Experience the sights and sounds of Christmas at Festival of Carols! You'll hear familiar hymns along with some new takes on your favorite carols. We will collect an offering and hold gift drives for families affected by Hurricane Michael. Download the wish list at bumc.net/Advent.
THE LONGEST NIGHT bumc.net/Advent December 21, 6:30 p.m., Sanctuary The Longest Night worship service is a time for spiritual healing and hope in the midst of brokenness and to feel at home in the loving arms of God. Childcare is available for 3 years and under.
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLES & COMMUNION bumc.net/ChristmasEve Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with us! 12 p.m. Contemporary Service (Sanctuary) 2 p.m. Traditional Service (Sanctuary) 4 p.m. Traditional Service (Sanctuary & Chapel) 6 p.m. Traditional Service (Sanctuary) 8 p.m. Traditional Service (Sanctuary) 11 p.m. Traditional Service (Sanctuary) Childcare available at all but 8 & 11 p.m. (3 & under)
FLASHPOINT: MEN'S RETREAT bumc.net/FlashPoint February 15-17, Beersheba Springs Join the Point Men at our annual retreat. We'll be led by Rev. David Thompson, Pastor of Family Ministries at Trinity UMC in Birmingham, for a weekend of worship and learning what it takes to live a life of significance. Cost is $175; use code XMAS25 for $25 off your registration through December 25.
UPDATE ON 2019 COMMITMENTS bumc.net/Stewardship We have received 681 pledges to date in the amount of $4,186,842. Our goal is to receive 1,000 pledges for $5,400,000 in pledged giving for 2019, a 10 percent increase from 2018. Pledge cards are available at the Connection Point desk, in the pew racks, or online. Thanks for your generous giving to the ministry of the Gospel through BUMC!
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT BUMC? To register for our events, visit bumc.net/Register CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS It's your last chance to order poinsettias for the altar on Christmas Eve! Fill out the form below or order online. MUSIC CITY BRONZE HANDBELLS CONCERT December 16, 4 p.m., Chapel Middle Tennessee's Premier Community Handbell Ensemble shows you how much fun bells can be. Free to the public and great for all ages! COLLEGE CHRISTMAS PARTY December 19, 6-8 p.m., Youth Café College students, take this opportunity to reconnect with old friends you haven't seen in a while and hang out with the youth staff! Last names A-M, bring an appetizer; N-Z, bring a dessert. Contact Rosanne at rschenck@bumc.net to learn more. ALTERNATIVE GIFT GIVING Not sure how to shop for the family member who already has everything? Try Alternative Gift Giving, and support our partner organizations in their honor! Pick up a postcard at the Connection Point Desk and give at bumc.net/Advent. WESLEY COVENANT SERVICE One service on December 30 We will have one service at 11:05 a.m. Sunday school classes and the Saturday night service will not meet. Consider your covenant with God in 2019!
CHRISTMAS EVE DETAILS Shuttle buses run from 1:30-9:30 p.m. from the parking lot next to CVS, directly across from Chipotle (no shuttle for the 11 p.m. service). Childcare is available (0–3 years) at all services except 8 & 11 p.m.
STEPHEN MINISTRY Our team of trained lay leaders provide one-to-one, confidential care to help you through life’s struggles. Stephen Ministers walk alongside you so you don’t have to go it alone. Call the Stephen Ministry Hotline at 615.577.4881 to learn more.
CHRISTMAS EVE HOSPITALITY Christmas Eve gives us the chance to show genuine BUMC hospitality to our many guests. Consider the following: • We expect the 4 p.m. service to be our busiest time on campus; consider attending at 12, 2, 6, 8, or 11 p.m. • Park at the lot next to CVS and ride the shuttle • Introduce yourself to those around you • Volunteer to serve our guests during worship (see Christmas Eve Volunteers below) • If you don’t know the answer to someone’s question, take them to the Connection Point desk in the Narthex where an Andrew Minister can assist them
2018 GIVING CREDIT Follow these steps to receive giving credit for 2018 • Have physical checks in the Finance Office by 12:30 p.m. on December 31 • Give online by 5 p.m. on December 31 • Postmark mailed checks on or before December 31 • Stock must be transferred no later than December 28. Notify Finance of any stock given (type and number of shares) to ensure proper credit. Contact the Finance Department at 615.324.8214 or finance@bumc.net to learn more.
CHRISTMAS EVE VOLUNTEERS Are you interested in making BUMC feel like home for the holidays? Contact Kelli Huston or Rev. Shelby Slowey to volunteer. Sanctuary decorators, ushers & Communion servers khuston@bumc.net Greeters & parking attendants sslowey@bumc.net THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our Advent Outreach initiatives this year! If you're still looking for ways to be involved, check out Alternative Gift Giving or pick up a Room In The Inn wish list at the Connection Point desk.
BUMC BUILDING HOURS BUMC has varying hours during the holiday season • December 21 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • December 24 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Finance Office closed) • December 25 | BUMC closed • December 26 | BUMC closed • December 27 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • December 28 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • December 31 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. • January 1 | BUMC closed
Tear out the form below and drop it in the offering plate along with cash or check to order a poinsettia. It's the final weekend to order poinsettias.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS ORDER FORM Honor a loved one with a beautiful altar poinsettia. Deadline: Poinsettias – 12/16. You may also order and pay for poinsettias online at www.bumc.net/Register.
Poinsettia - $15
o In Honor Of o In Memory Of o In Honor Of o In Memory Of
Given By Dedicated To: Given By Dedicated To: